March 27, 2024 - Everything is ready for the countdown to the departure of the 111th edition of the Tour de France 2024 from Italy, for a historic “Grand Départ” that will surely make headlines around the world, while Emilia-Romagna with its 3 stages, Florence-Rimini, Cesenatico-Bologna, and Piacenza-Turin is preparing for the big event with numerous scheduled events.

The first approach initiative, after the celebrations of the “100 Days,” will be the traveling journey of the Grand Départ Trophy, which began on March 22nd from Bologna, welcomed by the President of the Emilia-Romagna Region Stefano Bonaccini in a ceremony attended by former professional cyclists from Emilia-Romagna who took part in at least one edition of the “Grand Boucle” in their career.

On this occasion, the official jerseys (Yellow, Polka Dot, Green, and White) were also displayed, and a preview of the new creations dedicated to the “Grand Depart Italy” was presented.

The Grand Départ Trophy will move in the coming weeks to the stage cities, then return to Bologna with a stop in Turin and the last appearance in Piacenza. To complete the activity, during the period when the stage cities will host the Trophy, talk shows, themed events, meetings, and presentations with cycling authors will be organized, as well as the screening of a special documentary film, desired by the Emilia-Romagna Region, dedicated precisely to the grand departure and made in a year of work.

The celebrations dedicated to the Grand Depart will conclude on June 1st and 2nd with the “Fête de Tour” in the stage cities organized by the host communities, events that will involve direct participation of the local communities, with particular attention to young enthusiasts.

More on Tour de France 2024 Grand Depart in Emilia-Romagna here.